Guest Column by David Waldron: The importance of the Argyle/Malcolm affordable housing project

The Historic Preservation Easement requires that construction meet “the Town of Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Guidelines for New Construction” The RFQ requires that the project must “maintain the character and design of the historic Argyle neighborhood” and further requires “pedestrian orientation and enhanced connections between the property, existing historic neighborhood, and adjacent commercial area.”

THESE ARE MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

I am a founding member of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD, and served on that board for over 10 years. I helped to create and illustrate the Historic Preservation Guidelines Manual that this project will be required to follow.

FOLLOWING ARE MY COMMENTS

ADHERANCE TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION EASEMENT

FAVOR34

These requirements were completely ignored by this applicant. There is not even a suggestion of historic context, character, residential scale, or detail, (or fitting into the neighborhood) in their concept and design. It is as if they went out of their way to be as incompatible with the neighborhood as possible.

IF THIS PROPOSAL WENT BEFORE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIW BOARD IT WOULD BE REJECTED OUT OF HAND.

HOME TRUST

This proposal fully expresses the intent of the historic preservation easement; by maintaining a residential scale and pattern of small houses set back from the street.

STREET FRONTAGE

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This design proposes an uninterrupted 3 story tall wall of apartments along both Argyle and Malcolm. These buildings are as tall as the fairgrounds building!

HOME TRUST

Five small one story houses set back from the street along Argyle and Malcolm.

COMMON AREAS

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The large featureless rectangular common area bounded on 2 sides by head-in parking and on 2 sides by 3 story buildings. The buildings will cast midday and afternoon shade on the common area. The common area is mostly hidden from the street. There are few points of entry from the street

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Common areas are pedestrian oriented with many access points from the street, with trees scattered throughout the property.

DIRECT ACCESS TO OUTSIDE

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16 apartments will be ground level units. 16 apartments will be on the 3rd floor, with no elevator.

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25 units are at ground level.

ACCESS TO NATURAL LIGHT FAVOR

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24 units have only one window (plus a slider unit to the deck). 6 of the units face north and will never get sun. 24 units have windows on 2 sides.

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30 units have windows on 2 sides. 12 units have windows on 3 sides.

PROJECT TIMELINE

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There are two factors that will add considerable time to the timeline before construction can start:

1. In this neighborhood there is nearly universal opposition to any increase in density, as well as to this proposal in general.If lawsuits are involved, considerable time could be added.

2. Because this applicant ignored the HISTORIC PRESERVATION EASEMENT requirements, the project, as shown does not comply in any way with these requirements and would have to be totally redesigned.

HOME TRUST

The home trusts timeline is based on having done numerous smaller projects here on the island. They are currently finishing construction of 8 units in town, and a 12 unit project is in the design stage. Because this proposed project has become very popular, it is likely that the community outreach period will be shorter than anticipated. This concept and design exceeds the historic preservation requirements and would receive quick approval by the Historic Preservation Review Board.

PROJECT FUNDING

FAVOR34 - For Profit 

This is an unknown, the the source of funding is being kept secret. What are they hiding?

HOME TRUST - Non Profit

Local nonprofit with a track record of fund raising from public sources, grants, and local donations.

Submitted by David Waldron

davidwaldron@interisland.net FOR PROFIT NONPROFIT